A Time to Kill

Is there a distinction between killing and murdering? Yes, there is. And it’s an important one. The Fifth Commandment does not forbid us from killing; rather, it forbids us from murdering. Murder is the taking of an innocent life without a just cause. Killing is allowed in the following circumstances:

Legitimate self-defense: Self-defense is a right, and even a duty, that we all have.

Protection of society: There are those who have been entrusted with the protection of society. Domestically, police officers are on the front lines of the defense and safety of the community. Nationally, the military is entrusted with our defense under the Just War Theory. In both of these groups, the principles above apply, and killing is permitted when it is the only appropriate means of the protection of others.

Capital Punishment: it is legitimate for the State to put people to death. when the State has judged that the only means of safeguarding society is to put this person to death.